When was the last time Americans rose up against tyranny in their own country? 140 years ago...more? The likelihood that Americans will rise up against anything is pretty small. Now we're talking about the everyday Yank. As long as there's Brittany Spears and who she's fucking while on what drug on Maury Povich and NFL football....The American today is not the American of when there was something to fight for. The frontier was dangerous, hell, even New England was dangerous back then. And it was 'civilized' as 19th century America was then.I agree IRH - most people do not grasp the meaning of the 2nd amendment of the US Constitution & that is because it is not read in context.
2nd Amendment:
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Let me put myself in the position of an American here;
It is not necessarily that we should have the right to own a gun but to "bear arms".
What does "bear arms" mean?
Does it mean to own a weapon or does it mean the right to raise said "arms" in action?
Here's what bear means:
Please note 17, to have & be entitled to, and combine it with 6 & 10.
The founding authors of these amendments were some of the brightest minds of their times & chose the words in this document carefully.
If you read it as it was written it means to bear arms in defense of oneself, it denotes not only ownership of but action with that weapon.
But against who? (we'll get back to this question)
Read below:
So the theme of the Amendments must be considered when reading & interpreting the 2nd amendment.
Here's the 1st Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What is the first word in this amendment?
Who is it addressed to?
The 3rd amendment:
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
What is the subject here?
Who is it addressed to?
4th amendment:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
What is the subject here?
Who is it addressed to?
Does anybody else see the theme here?
These amendments are ALL to protect the PEOPLE from their GOVERNMENT!!!
Think about it!
I agree with you that most people are not responsible enough to own the weapons they own, so I will acquiesce to you that there needs to be some regulation on the ownership of the weapons.
Maybe a responsible ownership, or weapons responsibility class & certification course?
What I will not waiver on is the Constitutional GUARANTEE that an American may own a weapon without hindrance from the Gubment whom he has a right to protect himself against.
It is called tyranny.
Then again, why the hell are you guys worried about what's happening across the 49th? Can't vote down there, what are you going to change down there? Worry about the shit that we have to deal with here at home. We're about to be taxed to death and beyond...to quote LB...wake up and see what's happening in your own country.
